je me sens
The English phrase "I feel" is translated to French as je me sens.
je me sens is used to describe one's current emotional or physical state.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between je me sens and je sens. While je me sens describes your internal state, the form je sens means "I smell" or "I feel (a physical object/texture)".
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing your own internal state or emotions, the verb sentir must be used in its reflexive form se sentir, which results in je me sens.
Did you know?
- The French word sens is related to the word forcené, which is used to describe someone who is maniacal or driven to madness.
- The word sens in French does not just mean 'feeling', but also 'direction' or 'reason'.
- Because sens means both 'meaning' and 'feeling', a French speaker can describe a sentence as having a 'sense' using the same root word they use for their emotions.
Examples in context
- Je me sens mal.I feel sick.This sentence is useful for expressing that you feel sick.Tatoeba #761130 by pandark, translation #759379 by vgigregg
- Je me sens seul.I feel lonely.This sentence is useful for expressing that you feel lonely.Tatoeba #15738 by sacredceltic, translation #1487874 by sugoi
- Je me sens bête.I feel like an idiot.This sentence is useful for expressing that you feel like an idiot.Tatoeba #3637219 by sacredceltic, translation #1923235 by Spamster
- 416 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are talking about their first day at a new job.
- LéaJe me sens un peu stressée aujourd'hui.I feel a bit stressed today.
- GabrielC'est normal, Léa. Moi aussi.It's normal, Léa. Me too.
- LéaEst-ce que tu es à l'aise ?Are you feeling comfortable?
- GabrielOui, je me sens déjà bien ici.Yes, I already feel good here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, me, sens, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
